Bucknell Drops Non-Conference Title to Columbia

LEWISBURG, Pa. – Olivia Mann scored five goals and Gabrielle Geronimos had four to lead Columbia to a 16-7 win over Bucknell in non-league action Wednesday at sunny Graham Field. All seven Bison goals came from freshmen, including two each by Sophie Kleinert (Greenwich, Conn./Greenwich Academy), Katelyn Miller (Reisterstown, Md./McDonogh) and Ali Carey (Clarksville, Md./Garrison Forest).

Perhaps stunned by the loss of senior co-captain and two-time All-Patriot League midfielder Julia Braun (Tomkins Cove, N.Y./North Rockland) to a fluke injury in warm-ups just minutes before the opening faceoff, the Bison fell behind 10-1 at the half before settling down a bit in the second half. Geronimos scored three times in the first half to send the Lions (4-8) on their way to their third straight win.

Bucknell's first five goals of the game came on free-position shots, as the team went 5 for 7 from the 8-meter arc in the game. Carey and Kleinert each scored twice and Kleinert once from the arc. The team's first goal in the run of play came on a nice individual move from Miller with 5:45 left in the game.

Bison goalie Alyssa DeLorenz came into the game leading the nation with 13.0 saves per game, and she reached her average with 13 against the Lions. Her counterpart, Karlee Blank, finished with eight saves.

Columbia outshot Bucknell 38-20 and won the draw control battle 15-10.

The Bison were hampered by 20 turnovers, including 14 in the first half when they were just 4 for 9 on clears.

Now 3-12 on the season, the Bison wrap up the campaign on Saturday at Patriot League rival Colgate at 1:00 p.m.